Diocesan President
Mrs Cheryl Bainton (photo taken @ Kangaroo Island)

This Diocese of 52,426 sq. km. is bounded in the North by the Murray River, and extends westward into the Capital City of Adelaide, and to the southeast corner of the State and the Southern Ocean.

Industries include sheep and cattle husbandry; extensive vineyards; fruit growing; timber; and fishing.

This Diocese was separated from the Adelaide Diocese in 1970 and has a strong MU involvement. There are currently 14 branches and 260 members scattered over this vast area. Members have to travel long distances to attend meetings, sometimes in temperatures exceeding 40 degrees centigrade. The Away-from-it-All holiday programme is used to assist needy families to go on holidays. A yearly Diocesan Stop-over is held in a bush camp setting, a time for learning, sharing, and worship.

With an 80% rural content, the Diocese is faced with the social and family challenges produced by ongoing economic changes. The other 20% of the Diocese faces similar challenges created by the rapidly expanding suburban sprawl where many light industries are found.

MU gives practical assistance to families

Everything we do is supported by prayer.

Judy Price
Immediate Past Diocesan President

From THE MURRAY con - TRIBUTARY, July 2008, No.62
Editor: Margaret Cameron

Empowered by The Spirit - from the President

Dear Friends
When I was present at the Willochra Diocesan Synod, I was reminded of our theme when Bishop Gary pointed out that in the Nicene Creed the Holy Spirit is described as "the Lord and Giver of Life". What an encouragement it is to know we have the help of the Holy Spirit (Giver of Life) in all we do.

Lady Day was celebrated in April at Strathalbyn. After lunch we heard from Janice Haynes about the helpful resources provided by the Carer Support centre at Victor Harbor. About 54 members attended and there was a special collection to replace the MU bades that were lost in the recent cyclone. $202 was spent on badges which we hope President Dorcas has received by now. Thank you to Winifred and the branch at Strathalbyn for your warm hospitality on Lady Day.

The other Diocesan gathering was for the Council meeting at Mount Barker. We were greeted with a welcoming cuppa and morning tea by Wendy and her helpers. Our numbers were down for the Council meeting, and this is a reminder that each branch can send representatives to attend. However when the minutes arrive please read them if you were unable to attend.

Strathalbyn Anniversary.  Congratulations to Strathalbyn Branch who celebrated their 110^th Anniversary in May.

Christies Beach Branch have discontinued meeting formally, and we recognise and appreciate the service they have provided to the Lord in their parish.

I am really looking forward to the Joining Together on Mary Sumner Day with Libbie Crossman from Australian Executive. Also I hope to see many of you at the Stopover again this year.

Yours in Christ

Cheryl

MU Badges Lost in Floods
Our Diocese has made a donation of $220.50 to the MU of Poppendetta Diocese to purchase MU Badges after their members lost their possession in the recent floods. Our MU also sent $500 to go to the victims of the cyclone in Myanmar.

Stop-Over
This year's Stopover will be held from Sunday August 31^st until Tuesday September 2^nd. The theme is "Empowered by the Spirit", to pray for MU worldwide, and locally. The costs for overnight stay to be $23 per night. Craft activity this year will be making beanies for premature babies. Wool and needles will be available, but if you can supply your own, that would be helpful.

Parenting Education Program
Liz and Lyall Hampel have been busy conducting a course for  7 parents at Naracoorte. A visit was made to Southern Vales MU Branch, and a course is planned to commence at Victor Harbor on August 29^th, in the evening. The Uniting Church at Mt Barker have requested another course for their new Mothers' group, and that will start at the end of September.